WHITMAN COUNTY, Wash. — The Whitman County Republican Party will have a major role in who becomes sheriff next year. This comes after longtime Sheriff Brett Myers resigned last Friday due to health issues.
Myers was running unopposed in next week’s upcoming election, but after his letter of resignation, county commissioners held an emergency meeting Friday evening. Then, Undersheriff Keith Cooper was appointed to fill the position for 60 days.
“I had no idea this was coming. I got the phone call at 3:30 pm [Friday] that said, be at the courthouse,” Cooper said.
The Sheriff’s Department says it last heard that Myers is still in the hospital, but it is still unclear what caused him to be hospitalized.
The county’s process for selecting a permanent sheriff will now move forward. District 3 County Commissioner Chad Whetzel said he has been meeting with other officials to discuss the path ahead. “We’re trying to make decisions quickly, but legally…” Whetzel said.
Because Myers was a registered Republican, the county’s GOP will select three candidates for the position. The county commissioners will then choose one of those three to serve as sheriff. That appointed sheriff will serve for about one year, until the county holds an election in November 2027.
Voters will not choose Myers’ replacement in next week’s election.
Commissioner Whetzel said he believes anyone can apply for the position, regardless of party affiliation. “In this case… [the candidates] it’s from the Republican Party. But you could be an independent, [a]Democrat. And if they think that that person is a good candidate for it, they can put them forth even though they’re not from the party,” Whetzel said.
Current interim sheriff, Cooper, said he plans to seek the year – long appointment. “I am applying for the position, to be the permanent appointed one,” Cooper said. He said he also plans to run in the 2027 election, which will choose the next county sheriff to finish the remaining three years of Myers term.
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